A CNN/ORC International survey puts the incumbent president ahead of challenger Mitt Romney, 52% to 45%.

"Mitt Romney's unfavorable rating is up, most Americans think the Republican presidential challenger favors the rich, and the public no longer believes that the economy will get better if Romney is elected," CNN reported.

CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said, "among independent voters, the poll indicates President Obama has a 53%-42% lead -- The president holds a nine point advantage among women voters and a smaller six point edge among men."

Several recent polls have given an edge to Obama.

More from CNN: The good news for Romney: Four months after he wrapped up the race for the GOP nomination, 56% of Romney voters say they strongly support him, up from 47% in May. Sixty-one percent of Obama voters say they strongly support the president.

Since the start of the general election in April, the Obama campaign and Democratic groups have launched attacks on the presumptive Republican nominee, and the survey indicates that they appear to be working.

While Romney's favorable rating has remained steady (47% now compared to 48% in July), his unfavorable rating has jumped from 42% last month to 48% now. The president's 56%-42% favorable-unfavorable rating now is little changed from July.